For raping a seven-year-old primary school pupil, Ojo Ezekiel, a 47-year-old secondary school teacher, will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Justice Abiodun Akinyemi of an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta handed down the verdict.
On July 1, 2022, Ojo Ezekiel, the convict, faced trial for the heinous crime under the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Laws of Ogun State 2017.
The prosecution presented compelling evidence, leading to Ezekiel’s conviction on a sole count of rape.
According to Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, the prosecuting counsel, the victim’s mother noticed something was amiss with her daughter’s private parts while bathing her.
Persecondnews reports that the seven-year-old disclosed Ezekiel’s repeated sexual abuse upon questioning.
During the trial, the victim bravely testified against her abuser, recounting how Ezekiel would pull aside her underwear and insert his finger into her vagina.
A doctor’s medical evidence confirmed the sexual assault, bolstering the case against Ezekiel.
The victim revealed chilling details of the abuse, stating that Ezekiel would carry out the despicable act inside his car parked under a tree after school hours, warning her not to disclose the abuse or face consequences.
In his final submission, Olaotan urged the court to deliver justice, emphasizing the overwhelming evidence against the defendant.
He pointed out the victim’s consistent testimony, supported by medical findings and corroborating evidence from her mother.
Acknowledging the prosecution’s case, Justice Akinyemi pronounced Ezekiel guilty as charged and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
He said the judgment should serve as a stern warning to perpetrators of sexual violence.
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